90% of the time you see a RUclips video with "xx ideas for whatever" it's one or two ideas and the rest total bs. Just about every idea on this video is solid. Good stuff.
I’ll be honest I rolled my eyes when I saw the title and the start of the video……… but as you got going I saw where you were going with things. Owning a trailer for many years, I could say every single thing you did is useful at one point or another! Good job
WoW! Amazing! I’m 67 and miss the days when my grandfather, my father or uncles wanted something they just made it . This video is old school engineering. I’m very impressed.
Thank you, Vincent. My father just turned 80 this year and we still work together on stuff like this. It's all I've ever known. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
I laughed a lot at this video. These are all great ideas, it's so rapid fire, there were tips inside of tips. No BS, just right into it. Wish more people made videos like this.
Before the paint , varnish , or sealer has dried , sift some sand out on the boards , give you some grip when standing , especially if it's wet & this will keep you from busting your butt !!
Everyone needs to produce videos like this! No nonsense, pure straight forward information without any fluff. You are a smart guy! Some great tips for all us trailer owners.
I've watched a ton of trailer mod videos. This one is straight to the point, creative, and no annoying music. I enjoyed the information provided. The dual purpose jack usage really stood out for me. I "liked". Thanks.
This was the best mod video I have watched in some time! Practical and definitely mods that would be helpful for us trailer users. Great Job and excellent ideas!
I've always been told to never put a saddle on a dead horse. They are referring to the cable. You put the saddle on the live side of the cable and it won't kink the cable on the tension side. The other way it will weaken the cable. For what you are doing it will last forever but I thought I would mention it. Thank you very much for a great video. Very well done!
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I had never heard this before making this video. I will be sure to keep this in mind for future adventures and I'll flip them around when I get a chance on this project. Thanks for watching! I hope to see you around on future videos! I'm going to pin your comment to the top so more people will see it. I can't be the only one that wasn't aware of this rule. 🦅
I'm looking at buying a utility trailer, I've never owned one before. Found many videos where folks did something then recorded themselves talking about what they did and pointing to stuff already done. Your video showed so much without the non-sense, and brought me along for the ride. Thank you for this video.
A trailer ball mounted on a piece of angle like your hand winch is on makes a great way to secure a log splitter. Just latch it down a then one good strap across the rear of the splitter and you are good to go in no time.
Great modifications! You remind me of how "American know-how" became a phrase to be proud of. My fav is the mounts for the 2 jacks on the sides toward the rear. Several times I've had to get the truck out of the garage just so I could hook it to the trailer in order to load my mower. By doubling as a flat tire jack makes it well worth the effort of the installation. Neither of my trailers had anywhere to tie a rope that didn't have sharp edges so I mounted a 1" galvanized pipe 2" above and full length along both side walls and the front - all of which were 2 x 8's. Now I have unlimited tie-down places. Your gate lift assist save you quite a bit of money because the "Gorilla-Lift" is about $ 225 and the "Kuafu" kit is around $ 137 (plus tax on both). For those without the time, welder or H.D. drills the extra hundred bucks for the Kuafu might be the route to take.
This video is trailer genius bro! My 14 ft trailer is getting modded thanks to this video! Don't have tube rails but I'm thinking on putting a piece of pipe under the angle iron rail instead of on top as you suggested. Love it all especially the jacks on the rear sides.
I would love to see some pictures of how you pull this off.. I have a 12' trailer with square stock hand rails.. The locks for the ramp attach right on the end of the rails.. I tried putting pipes on top of the rails and bolting them on on but when I lowered the gate the steel cable just raked across the steel because of the 45ﾟ angle and there's no way to get the cable up off of the steel.. I have been given suggestions like go to a welding shop and have them cut the locks off and lower them.. Another said just use 30-30 6" long all thread and put your eyeballs level with the top of the trailer so the cable never has to go in a downward angle.. I look forward to seeing pictures of how yours went.. Definitely don't want to cut the locks off if I can help it
Have you made your gate-asist yet? I've got the angle iron top rail as well, but I'm planning on boxing mine by putting angle iron underneath instead of pipe.
Hands down!!! this was definitely one of the best explained and improvement video..Heck we need the Best of RUclips videos award shows...I nominate this video....and I will come on stage and slap anyone who disagrees😂😂
Well done vid! A few more suggestions: 1. Trailers of this size typically are welded from lengths of angle iron, and those exposed 90-degree ends are dying to take a bite out your shins. I used a mini-grinder and cutting disk to clip those killer corners - more than a dozen on one of my trailers. 2. Adding D-rings has been mentioned. Not often done, but most useful, is to have D-rings at the center of the front and back ends of the trailer for a lengthwise strap. You can never have too many tie-down spots. 3. I never trust light load straps to stay hooked, so I always use carabiners to attach the straps to the D-rings. This also prevents the annoyance of hooking a strap, throwing the loose end over the load - and having the first end come unhooked when you try to secure the second hook. 4. No, I am not going to be the tenth person to explain how to use a loop-and-saddle on wire…
You’re awesome! 😁👍 Thank you for taking the time to type all of this out. Very well thought out and explained. You’ll also be happy to know I did flip the saddle straps around after the 10th comment. I had honestly never heard that before the comments on this video. Lesson learned. 😁👍
Gr8 points - I've been rounding angle iron corners for years and jut leveled-up by adding a wheel at the corner and yesterday I hit it with my thigh as I walked by the trailer and it hurt a little but much less than a hard 90 deg corner.
Good ideas and I like that the video moves along without the silliness (trying to act) that others do. I added the small round LED's to the fenders so I could see that the trailer lights are working when driving.
I have a 16' long x 6' wide boat trailer that I've turned into a generic hauling trailer. I used 2" x 8" boards to build the floor, then put galvanized sheet metal on top of the boards (screwed down) so things slide. I have chain/strap tie down points that attach to the trailer frame. On the sides I put the 2x4 metal brackets then built a 43" (width of sheet metal) wall around the trailer perimeter. Rear of trailer also has a loading ramp similar to the one on this video only heavier duty, and I used springs like he did. On the front pointed section I put an aluminum box, the kind you see in truck beds. I also attached a crank up wheel on the front trailer bar and added a bracket to hold the spare tire. I got the trailer free from a friend so this whole project cost me around $100 for wood, sheet metal and screws to hold it all together. The trailer was designed to hold a 2500 Lb Boat so it's pretty tough for big loads. I intend to use it to haul brush, move all kinds of items, and pick up landscape materials, mulch, rocks etc. My next task is to add the jacks on the rear so I can load without being hooked up to the truck.
You can eliminate the welding scenes as those of us who have a welder really don’t need watch it, you learn by doing/practicing. Thanks 4 sharing your thoughts & ideas… good brainstorming!
Exactly what I was thinking regarding your pinned comment. I like how you just explain the stuff without giving all the BS. I picked up an excellent York 5x8 trailer that I wish I can convert into a dump trailer but I don't know how to do it because I'm trying to figure out the complexities.
E-Track is DA BOMB!!! That gives a person soooo many hook point options. I love that stuff on the floors of my trainers. Great video, thanks for some great ideas!
Thanks for watching. I purchased the E-track last fall and still haven’t gotten around to installing it on this trailer. I have it in my box trailer and agree 100%! It’s great for odd sized loads or loads that may not always be in the same place.
Don't know if this was mentioned in the comments (so many of them) but one thing I'd watch for is rust forming insides those tubular sides. After cutting those notches out for the tailgate rollers, I'd assume water would love to pool inside those tubes creating a breeding ground for rust. Loved this video so I subbed right away. Thanks RUclips for recommending this channel to me.
I always depended on my older brothers for suggestions and advice like this. Now that they are gone, I've missed having access to their ideas. You sir, are a treasure. You have a new subscriber. Thank you!
Best upgrade is welding unistut around the outside edges. Anchor points all over. I never know what I'm going to move and being able to put ratchet straps anywhere matters.
Great mods, one thing I like to do is put a cage over the tail lights, nothing fancy just a couple pieces of rebar or whatever. Those lights break so easy and gets expensive replacing them all the time!
+A C I have to agree with that. I was afraid this video was getting to long and may make a second one showing additional mods. Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
I just bought a new trailer today. I drove it from the dealer to my home. Backing it in the driveway I backed into a rock and bent the snot out of my tail light. I'd like to know more about the "cage" you made....
@@hipairbrush1053 There are a few options to protect the taillights. If you have the tools and a welder you can bend up rebar as A C mentioned above or cut steel plates to surround the lights. On some trailers, you can also relocate the lights to the back of the fenders so they are less likely to hit something. If you want to do it the easy way you can buy a housing from Amazon like the one below and weld or bolt it on to protect the lights. amzn.to/351mADx Let us know how it works out and thanks for watching.
This video was recommended to me by YT. I didn't expect this to be nearly as informational as it was. These are all excellent tips! I'm definitely going to implement these upgrades on my trailer. Thanks for the info!
The 2 hacks for the gate and winch adapter is amazing we have tried and tried to mount a electric winch on my step dad's 16 ft car trailer and they always are just a little wrong 1 way or the other this is a perfect solution I am gonna make 2 different 1s for a electric winch and a boat crank like you showed thank you very much
I did the spring lift mod on my trailer (I have the same trailer or damn close to it. 6x10') - I am not disappointed. Works very well. I also painted/treated the bed with a sealant and added grit to it for traction. Ended up painting the whole trailer after and used truck bed liner on the wheel fenders. Huge improvement.
That’s so awesome! It’s amazing how much a little effort makes to enhance these trailers and extend their life beyond expectations. Thanks for sharing your ideas. 😁👍
@@baldeagle242Also, gives them a needed refresh. Mine has peeling paint and multipel colors - I like to air spray paint projects in the bed of the trailer. Putting a new coat on everything make it look more up to date.
Some nice ideas there well done. Cable clamps are always installed with the teeth onto the main cable so it spreads the contact point and doesnt damage it. Cheers.
+Chadrick Parrott, I've always thought about doing that but never followed through. It would make it very quick and easy to swap the entire assembly out. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
Those mods are at another level. You could do the gate mod if trailer had angle iron sides, put angle to make a tube, & use short angle pieces to support the rollers.
COOL video !! The only thing I would change is : Instead of electrical tape on the cables, I would use Heat Shrink in two (or more) layers. I love the Lift Assist !!
Awesome upgrades , very useful.. I have the 5 X 8 trailer and I mounted a bed box for a small truck to the front over an extended tongue. Loads of storage and water proof.
Storms just rolled thru here in SE NC. Lightning has passed so I'm on YT. Saw your video and clicked on it as I am doing bearing replacement on my 6x12 flat trailer. Great ideas, some that I had in mind doing already, but the little nuance tips of "the why to do it" pushed me to look at prices for the pieces you highlighted. Thanks for the kick in the ass to get my trailer in order. I really do need it to pick material for my 7x16 enclosed project and general chores around the property. PS: I also sub'd, so I will definitely be looking thru your other videos.
Some very good stuff here. I especially like the auxiliary Jack idea, I’ve always used a couple of Jack stands but this is much handier. OBTW those deck boards are called 5 quarter in the trade not 5 fourths.
LOVE the winch idea! You could double your capacity/ make it easier on your, and pull straight onto the trailer, instead of an angle if you changed out the strap for a cable, used a snatch block, then anchored the other end to the other side.
Very impressive & well thought out. I liked the attention to reflectors and using some to judge your distance backing up. A couple of thoughts while watching: recycle used motor oil to stain the wood deck. For your purposes there will probably be oil leaks on the wood anyway. As long as you’re doing custom brackets-mounting a shovel and farm jack somewhere on there would be cool. And maybe an LED light bar for nighttime use. Nice work. Really enjoyed watching it.
Thanks for the video. I have a 5x8 trailer just for hauling my lawn tractors and brush that I cut. Works great but I am definitely using some of your ideas to make her more efficient
I've been working around the idea of a hydraulically operated log arch... It would have to be above the rail to get the correct leverage for the hydraulic cylinder.
Great ideas! I subscribed! I think a video regarding attaching an axle hub with spare tire attached to your trailer would be very helpful. I like the idea but can’t put together the actual construction in my mind’s eye. Also one of my trailers has rear jack stands that has 2” square tubing vertically welded to the frame (only about two or three inch piece).Then smaller sq.tubing about 18” long slides inside the 2” tubing. Holes are drilled in the smaller tubing and through the 2” tubing with the holes in the smaller tubing being located when you want to support the deck so it does not tip down or to hold up the tubing in position for traveling. You’ll need a plate welded to bottom of the small tubing. This is relatively inexpensive as opposed to using two tongue jacks, but certainly not as helpful as the tongue jacks might be for changing a tire. Thanks for your great suggestions!!!
I use a port. 12 VDC winch on a Class 3 hitch insert & mount the receiver so I can use the winch elsewhere as well. Also have a skid mounted 3/4" SYP & 2x sealed & painted box w/ removable lid & tarp that I can use for over-sized brush & firewood hauling, plus we use it for moving pigs between farms. Not ideal for livestock due to the backboard ride, but it works in a pinch and keeps them contained. Also handy as an intermediate loading platform (with the suggested stabilizing jacks deployed) for loading steers & pigs up to dock height w/o needing a long ramp or dock; load animal onto trailer using the attached ramp, then fold up and back to appropriate distance & drop ramp to reach the higher load level. Works the reverse as well. Again, not ideal (gotta have somebody on each side who knows how to handle stock), but mother of necessity (and cheap)...
I 've been lucky with tail lights so far. I will probably change their location if I do break them. The reflective white tape on the front side of the gate also helps tremendously with seeing your trailer when you're backing up after dark. Thanks for watching.
@@baldeagle242 I found LED taillights at O'reilleys that have a built in back up light. Just have to run a blue wire from the tow vehicle to the light. I suppose you could wire it to come on with the stop lights, don't know if that is legal in all states, LOL.
@@unclemikeb Thanks for the reply. That's one thing I've always wanted to do but never taken the time to make it happen. I think I need a part two to this video for all the extra suggestions people have left. Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
I am amazed at the great ideas you put into your utility trailer!!! If you ever do a video on upgrading a enclosed trailer, especially for motorcycles, I would love if you share your link with me!
I have an 18’ enclosed trailer I plan to make a video on someday if I can ever find the time. Be sure to hit the Subscribe button for my channel and click the bell next to it. That way you will get a notification when I post. Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment! 😁👍
Some very good ideas and good work, everything is explained well also, I love the idea of using a ramp from the trailer to load something into the truck, I have never seen that before.
Using ramps from the trailer into the truck works very well. It has much less of an angle when loading mowers so the deck doesn’t catch at the top. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
I just picked up a welder for some truck projects, and now I've picked up some good ideas for my 16' utility trailer, which happens to be woefully short of sufficient strapping points to secure a load of hay bales. I also like the idea of side-mount jack stands. Very informative video...brief and to the point.
With the front storage area you can put a battery and or hookup to a power winch option for lower pulls or between the rails.like the back jack mounts great idea..
I agree with N English the one thing that I would do differently is to us shrink tube over the ends of the cut end and cable. Because of where I live in the desert the tap gets all sticky but you can always do what the old fisherman did and just take some PVC glue and coat the tape and it will melt it together and make water proof. Keep up the good work.
This DIY had good mods, good engineering, and quick and informative execution! I immediately subscribed! How could I not, and miss something valuable? Thanks!
Great job there Sir. I am just wondering if you had put PVC pipe over the springs would it help anything like rubbing and or rattling inside the tube rails. I really appreciate your ideas on this project. 👍👍
If you can find it locally, black Locust & Osage orange are much tougher, denser, & rot resistant than pine, then comes white oak. Whether one of the rot resistant or treated pine, dry it first (especially the pine). Drill a fastener hole on each end 1/8" larger than the stainless bolts w/ lock nut used to secure, but then prime & paint w/ a high solids acrylic or epoxy (both very tough & will resist all but the heaviest gouging by heavy metal or stumps being drug off). Make sure your paint covers the end grain and inside of bolt holes especially, but also make sure the holes remain clear - you want the inner walls coated but not so tight as to cause the bolts to scrape it off on inserting. Once tightened down they won't move, but re-check every year to make sure the wood hasn't shrunk any more. If properly dried and coated it should remain dimensionally stable and last the life of the trailer (my white oak deck is 29 years old & the Daiche coatings "Roll Stone" I think it was called has only needed touching up twice (from dragging trailer sized oak stumps off w/ a backhoe).
Your cable system is really cool! I gotta do that! One thing though.... The attachment on the gate doesn't need to be any higher that the top of the rail where the spring in in a straight pull configuration. Above that point the cables are only pulling the gate towards the hinge and no longer in toward the rail. If this doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll try to explain it better. Also, the pin through the wheel... GENIUS!
Love your video! Several of your ideas I had as well...just couldn’t couldn’t get thought to action. Lol What I did with the trailer lights is installed them into the fender so they wouldn’t get broken.
Thanks for watching. I'm hoping to make another video later this year with mods as you suggested. I'm not sure yet if I will move them or build a guard around them. So many projects so little time!
@Chickanic is on fire! I have been a sub on her channel since she was at 300'ish subs and didn't post for over a year! She has the skills and personality to explode on RUclips! (Far beyond what she already has!) I have the skills and I'm working on my personality. ;-) LOL
Great video. The first mod i did to my new trailer was add reverse lights to it. Its hard to see back there at night when reversing...especially the older i get.
Thanks for watching. I have a few other mods I plan to add to this trailer later this year. Back-up lights are a great recommendation and I may add this to my list of additional upgrades. Thanks again! I hope to see you around on future videos. 🦅
You are pretty amazing to come up with practical solutions yo what would have been problematical issues. You are creative and can think outside the box. Your video is very educational as well as entertaining.
Those jacks also stabilize well enough that I can use a swing out trck bed crane w/o issue. Comes in handy for transferring auto engines from truck to truck or wherever. Love your ingenuity. Thanks for sharing.
Just a note for anyone watching this. When putting clamps onto wire rope the saddle goes on the live end and the curved bow goes on the dead end. Opposite to the way shown here. Notice how he put them on and turn them around to correctly fit them. I speak from experience, I was a rigger in heavy industry.
@ZMPBP Thank you for taking the time to share your comment! I wasn’t aware of this when I made this video but there have been quite a few comments about this since it was posted. I have turned them around at this point. I hope to see you around on future videos. 😊👍
I have a very similar trailer and that open security box always bugged me. I cut mine off, used 2 inch aluminum angle to fabricate a tray for a small ATV toolbox. It sits in the factory location, is water tight, and more securable. I don't have and am not proficient with a welder to fabricate stake pockets and ratchets to my rig. I did buy some decent braided rope, made loops I can slip knot around the top tubes and use ratchet straps or Tie Boss tie downs to secure my load. I used 3/4 marine grade plywood for the flooring in mine and its starting to show its age. Trailer sits outside in all weather so when I replace the plywood I'm probably going to use 2x8 pressure treated. I did add recessed tiedowns to the floor. I drilled two mounting holes into the trailer frame and the other two I went thru the plywood and cut 1 foot sections of shelving angle to spread out the load.
90% of the time you see a RUclips video with "xx ideas for whatever" it's one or two ideas and the rest total bs. Just about every idea on this video is solid. Good stuff.
Thank you. 😁👍
I agree… but they require welding, I don’t need another piece of equipment to store.
@@thatguy7085 On the plus side, they make some tiny 120v welders now.
I’ll be honest I rolled my eyes when I saw the title and the start of the video……… but as you got going I saw where you were going with things. Owning a trailer for many years, I could say every single thing you did is useful at one point or another! Good job
Thank you. I wasn’t really sure what to call this video. 😁👍
@@baldeagle242 you hit the nail on the head, for once it wasn’t clickbait
I agree 💯
Impressed
Thank you.
WoW! Amazing! I’m 67 and miss the days when my grandfather, my father or uncles wanted something they just made it . This video is old school engineering. I’m very impressed.
Thank you, Vincent. My father just turned 80 this year and we still work together on stuff like this. It's all I've ever known.
Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
I laughed a lot at this video. These are all great ideas, it's so rapid fire, there were tips inside of tips. No BS, just right into it. Wish more people made videos like this.
Thank you!
Yeah, it is refreshing when someone is to the point instead of adding life story to every topic.
You are 100% correct with everything you said sir!
These were some outstanding tips!]
I wasn't looking for this vid, but im glad I found it!
@@jupitercyclops6521 Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
Before the paint , varnish , or sealer has dried , sift some sand out on the boards , give you some grip when standing , especially if it's wet & this will keep you from busting your butt !!
I did that to my wood front porch and it helped when ice formed on it.
Clever!
I did that on mine. Now the floor is grippy for standing, but loaded boxes slide around now really easily.
I use grits mixed into the sealer
Everyone needs to produce videos like this! No nonsense, pure straight forward information without any fluff. You are a smart guy! Some great tips for all us trailer owners.
Thank you! 🦅🇺🇸
Well done video. No chit chat, no wasted time over explaining, great editing. Your brevity is appreciated.
Thank you, Matthew! I hope to see you around on future videos. 🦅
I've watched a ton of trailer mod videos. This one is straight to the point, creative, and no annoying music. I enjoyed the information provided. The dual purpose jack usage really stood out for me. I "liked". Thanks.
Thank you. 😁👍
I was disappointed that his pets and/or kids were not “ his helpers” like most of these type of videos😬
I hate when people think they're doing good about adding stupid music
This was the best mod video I have watched in some time! Practical and definitely mods that would be helpful for us trailer users. Great Job and excellent ideas!
Thank you. 🦅🇺🇸
@@baldeagle242 that list of mods would of been 15 separate 12 minute videos on any other channel.
👍
@@jaxturner7288 You sir are 100% correct. I try to keep my videos as short as possible and pack as much information as I can. 😁👍
The jack stand idea is absolutely genuine!
Thank you. 😁👍
The gate lift is INCREDIBLE!!!
Thank you, Alen.
I've always been told to never put a saddle on a dead horse. They are referring to the cable. You put the saddle on the live side of the cable and it won't kink the cable on the tension side. The other way it will weaken the cable. For what you are doing it will last forever but I thought I would mention it. Thank you very much for a great video. Very well done!
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I had never heard this before making this video. I will be sure to keep this in mind for future adventures and I'll flip them around when I get a chance on this project. Thanks for watching! I hope to see you around on future videos! I'm going to pin your comment to the top so more people will see it. I can't be the only one that wasn't aware of this rule. 🦅
I'm looking at buying a utility trailer, I've never owned one before. Found many videos where folks did something then recorded themselves talking about what they did and pointing to stuff already done. Your video showed so much without the non-sense, and brought me along for the ride. Thank you for this video.
A trailer ball mounted on a piece of angle like your hand winch is on makes a great way to secure a log splitter. Just latch it down a then one good strap across the rear of the splitter and you are good to go in no time.
That's a fantastic idea! I'd never thought of that one. Thank you! 😁👍
Great modifications! You remind me of how "American know-how" became a phrase to be proud of.
My fav is the mounts for the 2 jacks on the sides toward the rear. Several times I've had to get the truck out of the garage just so I could hook it to the trailer in order to load my mower. By doubling as a flat tire jack makes it well worth the effort of the installation.
Neither of my trailers had anywhere to tie a rope that didn't have sharp edges so I mounted a 1" galvanized pipe 2" above and full length along both side walls and the front - all of which were 2 x 8's. Now I have unlimited tie-down places.
Your gate lift assist save you quite a bit of money because the "Gorilla-Lift" is about $ 225 and the "Kuafu" kit is around $ 137 (plus tax on both). For those without the time, welder or H.D. drills the extra hundred bucks for the Kuafu might be the route to take.
Thank you for watching. I have a couple links below the video for the systems you've mentioned. 🦅🇺🇸
This video is trailer genius bro! My 14 ft trailer is getting modded thanks to this video! Don't have tube rails but I'm thinking on putting a piece of pipe under the angle iron rail instead of on top as you suggested. Love it all especially the jacks on the rear sides.
Thanks for watching! Let me know how yours turns out.
His video was great! Agreed.
I would love to see some pictures of how you pull this off.. I have a 12' trailer with square stock hand rails.. The locks for the ramp attach right on the end of the rails.. I tried putting pipes on top of the rails and bolting them on on but when I lowered the gate the steel cable just raked across the steel because of the 45ﾟ angle and there's no way to get the cable up off of the steel.. I have been given suggestions like go to a welding shop and have them cut the locks off and lower them.. Another said just use 30-30 6" long all thread and put your eyeballs level with the top of the trailer so the cable never has to go in a downward angle.. I look forward to seeing pictures of how yours went.. Definitely don't want to cut the locks off if I can help it
Have you made your gate-asist yet? I've got the angle iron top rail as well, but I'm planning on boxing mine by putting angle iron underneath instead of pipe.
Hands down!!! this was definitely one of the best explained and improvement video..Heck we need the Best of RUclips videos award shows...I nominate this video....and I will come on stage and slap anyone who disagrees😂😂
Well done vid! A few more suggestions:
1. Trailers of this size typically are welded from lengths of angle iron, and those exposed 90-degree ends are dying to take a bite out your shins. I used a mini-grinder and cutting disk to clip those killer corners - more than a dozen on one of my trailers.
2. Adding D-rings has been mentioned. Not often done, but most useful, is to have D-rings at the center of the front and back ends of the trailer for a lengthwise strap. You can never have too many tie-down spots.
3. I never trust light load straps to stay hooked, so I always use carabiners to attach the straps to the D-rings. This also prevents the annoyance of hooking a strap, throwing the loose end over the load - and having the first end come unhooked when you try to secure the second hook.
4. No, I am not going to be the tenth person to explain how to use a loop-and-saddle on wire…
You’re awesome! 😁👍
Thank you for taking the time to type all of this out. Very well thought out and explained.
You’ll also be happy to know I did flip the saddle straps around after the 10th comment. I had honestly never heard that before the comments on this video. Lesson learned. 😁👍
Gr8 points - I've been rounding angle iron corners for years and jut leveled-up by adding a wheel at the corner and yesterday I hit it with my thigh as I walked by the trailer and it hurt a little but much less than a hard 90 deg corner.
The jack and strap things you welded on are pretty smart I’m going to do this on my trailer I’m fixing up👌🏻
Good ideas and I like that the video moves along without the silliness (trying to act) that others do.
I added the small round LED's to the fenders so I could see that the trailer lights are working when driving.
Thanks for watching. My wife gets the final say on the editing. 😁👍
I have a 16' long x 6' wide boat trailer that I've turned into a generic hauling trailer. I used 2" x 8" boards to build the floor, then put galvanized sheet metal on top of the boards (screwed down) so things slide. I have chain/strap tie down points that attach to the trailer frame. On the sides I put the 2x4 metal brackets then built a 43" (width of sheet metal) wall around the trailer perimeter. Rear of trailer also has a loading ramp similar to the one on this video only heavier duty, and I used springs like he did. On the front pointed section I put an aluminum box, the kind you see in truck beds. I also attached a crank up wheel on the front trailer bar and added a bracket to hold the spare tire. I got the trailer free from a friend so this whole project cost me around $100 for wood, sheet metal and screws to hold it all together. The trailer was designed to hold a 2500 Lb Boat so it's pretty tough for big loads. I intend to use it to haul brush, move all kinds of items, and pick up landscape materials, mulch, rocks etc. My next task is to add the jacks on the rear so I can load without being hooked up to the truck.
Hit the holes with some "red lead" primer before inserting bolts. Really nice job!
Thank you. I hope to see you around on future videos.
Your lift gate attachment was ingenious 👍🏻
Thank you.
Your fabrication and attention to detail is astounding. Very impressed.
Thank you. 🦅
great upgrades. only thing extra I might do with this setup is put some low grade thread locker on (mainly to prevent water from getting in there).
Thank you.
You can eliminate the welding scenes as those of us who have a welder really don’t need watch it, you learn by doing/practicing. Thanks 4 sharing your thoughts & ideas… good brainstorming!
Thanks for the feedback. You are 100% correct. Thanks for watching.
Exactly what I was thinking regarding your pinned comment. I like how you just explain the stuff without giving all the BS.
I picked up an excellent York 5x8 trailer that I wish I can convert into a dump trailer but I don't know how to do it because I'm trying to figure out the complexities.
Going to have to watch this one several times. You went really fast on what you were going to do with gate. Good ideas!
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.....I am imitating several of your ideas!!!
Thank you for sharing/ posting!!
Many will benefit...👍
I don't think you'll be the only one. 😁👍
E-Track is DA BOMB!!! That gives a person soooo many hook point options. I love that stuff on the floors of my trainers.
Great video, thanks for some great ideas!
Thanks for watching. I purchased the E-track last fall and still haven’t gotten around to installing it on this trailer. I have it in my box trailer and agree 100%! It’s great for odd sized loads or loads that may not always be in the same place.
Nice ideas! Now I have half a dozen more projects to add to my list! Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome, Curt. Thanks for watching.
Don't know if this was mentioned in the comments (so many of them) but one thing I'd watch for is rust forming insides those tubular sides. After cutting those notches out for the tailgate rollers, I'd assume water would love to pool inside those tubes creating a breeding ground for rust. Loved this video so I subbed right away. Thanks RUclips for recommending this channel to me.
Could drill some drain holes in the bottom.
I always depended on my older brothers for suggestions and advice like this. Now that they are gone, I've missed having access to their ideas. You sir, are a treasure. You have a new subscriber. Thank you!
Thank you, Carol. It sounds like they were great people. I'm glad to have you here.
Best upgrade is welding unistut around the outside edges. Anchor points all over. I never know what I'm going to move and being able to put ratchet straps anywhere matters.
Really appreciated your spring gate design
Thanks for watching. If you try it on your trailer let me know how it works out. 😁👍
Great mods, one thing I like to do is put a cage over the tail lights, nothing fancy just a couple pieces of rebar or whatever. Those lights break so easy and gets expensive replacing them all the time!
+A C I have to agree with that. I was afraid this video was getting to long and may make a second one showing additional mods. Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
I just bought a new trailer today. I drove it from the dealer to my home. Backing it in the driveway I backed into a rock and bent the snot out of my tail light. I'd like to know more about the "cage" you made....
@@hipairbrush1053 There are a few options to protect the taillights. If you have the tools and a welder you can bend up rebar as A C mentioned above or cut steel plates to surround the lights. On some trailers, you can also relocate the lights to the back of the fenders so they are less likely to hit something. If you want to do it the easy way you can buy a housing from Amazon like the one below and weld or bolt it on to protect the lights. amzn.to/351mADx
Let us know how it works out and thanks for watching.
A couple coils of a car front spring is what protects my lights.
This video was recommended to me by YT. I didn't expect this to be nearly as informational as it was. These are all excellent tips! I'm definitely going to implement these upgrades on my trailer. Thanks for the info!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
The 2 hacks for the gate and winch adapter is amazing we have tried and tried to mount a electric winch on my step dad's 16 ft car trailer and they always are just a little wrong 1 way or the other this is a perfect solution I am gonna make 2 different 1s for a electric winch and a boat crank like you showed thank you very much
Awesome! Let me know how it works out. 😁👍
Awesome job it's great to see somebody taking pride in there equipment I'm really impressed
Take care stay safe and God bless you 🙋♂️🇬🇧
Thank you for the kind words, and thanks for watching. 👨🦲🇺🇸
I did the spring lift mod on my trailer (I have the same trailer or damn close to it. 6x10') - I am not disappointed. Works very well. I also painted/treated the bed with a sealant and added grit to it for traction. Ended up painting the whole trailer after and used truck bed liner on the wheel fenders. Huge improvement.
That’s so awesome! It’s amazing how much a little effort makes to enhance these trailers and extend their life beyond expectations. Thanks for sharing your ideas. 😁👍
@@baldeagle242Also, gives them a needed refresh. Mine has peeling paint and multipel colors - I like to air spray paint projects in the bed of the trailer. Putting a new coat on everything make it look more up to date.
I had no idea what you were making the whole video, but I had a good time watching.
I had no idea either. LOL 🤣
I love the gate helper idea
It comes in handy. Thanks for watching.
Some nice ideas there well done. Cable clamps are always installed with the teeth onto the main cable so it spreads the contact point and doesnt damage it. Cheers.
you can make a spare tire mount out of a spindle or old axle. That way you have everything bearings, hub cotter key ect ready to go.
+Chadrick Parrott, I've always thought about doing that but never followed through. It would make it very quick and easy to swap the entire assembly out. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
Excellent applied common sense, thanks, very helpful.
Thank you. 😁👍
Those mods are at another level. You could do the gate mod if trailer had angle iron sides, put angle to make a tube, & use short angle pieces to support the rollers.
Thank you for watching.
COOL video !! The only thing I would change is : Instead of electrical tape on the cables, I would use Heat Shrink in two (or more) layers. I love the Lift Assist !!
Smart. By the way, flatbed drivers use mainly 4 inch straps
Thanks for the info. 😁👍
Awesome upgrades , very useful.. I have the 5 X 8 trailer and I mounted a bed box for a small truck to the front over an extended tongue. Loads of storage and water proof.
Excellent video. I have 5 utility trailers and some of these ideas are spot on for my use.
That's awesome! Let me know how they turn out. 😁👍
Cool ideas. A utility trailer is a must for most handymen from dump runs to transporting kayaks.
Storms just rolled thru here in SE NC. Lightning has passed so I'm on YT. Saw your video and clicked on it as I am doing bearing replacement on my 6x12 flat trailer. Great ideas, some that I had in mind doing already, but the little nuance tips of "the why to do it" pushed me to look at prices for the pieces you highlighted. Thanks for the kick in the ass to get my trailer in order. I really do need it to pick material for my 7x16 enclosed project and general chores around the property. PS: I also sub'd, so I will definitely be looking thru your other videos.
That's awesome. Thank you. 😁👍
Some very good stuff here. I especially like the auxiliary Jack idea, I’ve always used a couple of Jack stands but this is much handier. OBTW those deck boards are called 5 quarter in the trade not 5 fourths.
Thanks, Cory. The stands mounted on the trailer come in very handy. I'll remember that about the boards next time. 😁👍
LOVE the winch idea! You could double your capacity/ make it easier on your, and pull straight onto the trailer, instead of an angle if you changed out the strap for a cable, used a snatch block, then anchored the other end to the other side.
Great idea. Thank you. 😁👍
I really like that snatch block comment
First time I have seen your videos but really learned alot of tricks for my trailer. Thanks
Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
Very impressive & well thought out. I liked the attention to reflectors and using some to judge your distance backing up. A couple of thoughts while watching: recycle used motor oil to stain the wood deck. For your purposes there will probably be oil leaks on the wood anyway. As long as you’re doing custom brackets-mounting a shovel and farm jack somewhere on there would be cool. And maybe an LED light bar for nighttime use. Nice work. Really enjoyed watching it.
Thanks for the suggestions. And thanks for watching. 😁👍
Lots of great ideas for me to work on here in AZ, thanks
Thanks for the video. I have a 5x8 trailer just for hauling my lawn tractors and brush that I cut. Works great but I am definitely using some of your ideas to make her more efficient
Awesome! Let me know how to turns out. 😁👍
Absolutely excellent ideas. Kudos.
Thank you. 🦅🇺🇸
I've been working around the idea of a hydraulically operated log arch... It would have to be above the rail to get the correct leverage for the hydraulic cylinder.
Great ideas! I subscribed! I think a video regarding attaching an axle hub with spare tire attached to your trailer would be very helpful. I like the idea but can’t put together the actual construction in my mind’s eye. Also one of my trailers has rear jack stands that has 2” square tubing vertically welded to the frame (only about two or three inch piece).Then smaller sq.tubing about 18” long slides inside the 2” tubing. Holes are drilled in the smaller tubing and through the 2” tubing with the holes in the smaller tubing being located when you want to support the deck so it does not tip down or to hold up the tubing in position for traveling. You’ll need a plate welded to bottom of the small tubing. This is relatively inexpensive as opposed to using two tongue jacks, but certainly not as helpful as the tongue jacks might be for changing a tire. Thanks for your great suggestions!!!
Thanks for the info and thanks for watching.
I use a port. 12 VDC winch on a Class 3 hitch insert & mount the receiver so I can use the winch elsewhere as well. Also have a skid mounted 3/4" SYP & 2x sealed & painted box w/ removable lid & tarp that I can use for over-sized brush & firewood hauling, plus we use it for moving pigs between farms. Not ideal for livestock due to the backboard ride, but it works in a pinch and keeps them contained. Also handy as an intermediate loading platform (with the suggested stabilizing jacks deployed) for loading steers & pigs up to dock height w/o needing a long ramp or dock; load animal onto trailer using the attached ramp, then fold up and back to appropriate distance & drop ramp to reach the higher load level. Works the reverse as well. Again, not ideal (gotta have somebody on each side who knows how to handle stock), but mother of necessity (and cheap)...
That spring lift on the gate is really nice I had one of these but never thought of that. Thanks Darrell
It comes in very handy. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
Outstanding mods. If I do the spring assist, I'll just attach the cable to the gate. The bracket isn't needed really.
Thanks for watching. Just be careful the cable doesn't rub on the edge of the tube.
@@baldeagle242 Ya, I like your roller solution... will use that for sure.
I got tired of backing up and braking tail lights, so I moved mine to the lower sides of my gate. Works very well
I 've been lucky with tail lights so far. I will probably change their location if I do break them. The reflective white tape on the front side of the gate also helps tremendously with seeing your trailer when you're backing up after dark. Thanks for watching.
@@baldeagle242 I found LED taillights at O'reilleys that have a built in back up light. Just have to run a blue wire from the tow vehicle to the light. I suppose you could wire it to come on with the stop lights, don't know if that is legal in all states, LOL.
@@unclemikeb Thanks for the reply. That's one thing I've always wanted to do but never taken the time to make it happen. I think I need a part two to this video for all the extra suggestions people have left.
Thanks for watching! 🦅🇺🇸
@@baldeagle242 magnetic flashlight that you can position on a fender or frame makes backing in the dark much easier.
Thank you, seriously great video.
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
I am amazed at the great ideas you put into your utility trailer!!!
If you ever do a video on upgrading a enclosed trailer, especially for motorcycles, I would love if you share your link with me!
I have an 18’ enclosed trailer I plan to make a video on someday if I can ever find the time. Be sure to hit the Subscribe button for my channel and click the bell next to it. That way you will get a notification when I post.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment! 😁👍
@@baldeagle242 will do thank you!!!
@@robdedgar You’re welcome! Thank you. 🦅🇺🇸
Some very good ideas and good work, everything is explained well also, I love the idea of using a ramp from the trailer to load something into the truck, I have never seen that before.
Using ramps from the trailer into the truck works very well. It has much less of an angle when loading mowers so the deck doesn’t catch at the top.
Thanks for watching. 😁👍
I just picked up a welder for some truck projects, and now I've picked up some good ideas for my 16' utility trailer, which happens to be woefully short of sufficient strapping points to secure a load of hay bales. I also like the idea of side-mount jack stands. Very informative video...brief and to the point.
I'm happy you found it helpful. Thanks for watching. 😁👍
Oh I'm so getting springs on my ramp. 👍🏼
With the front storage area you can put a battery and or hookup to a power winch option for lower pulls or between the rails.like the back jack mounts great idea..
Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching. 😁👍
I agree with N English the one thing that I would do differently is to us shrink tube over the ends of the cut end and cable. Because of where I live in the desert the tap gets all sticky but you can always do what the old fisherman did and just take some PVC glue and coat the tape and it will melt it together and make water proof. Keep up the good work.
First rate. Every tip was a genuine improvement. Thank you.
Thanks for watching 😁👍
Dude! I never knew my trailer needed these things, but will be working smarter soon thanks to you.
This DIY had good mods, good engineering, and quick and informative execution! I immediately subscribed! How could I not, and miss something valuable? Thanks!
Thank you, Brian. I appreciate your support. 😁👍
Great job there Sir.
I am just wondering if you had put PVC pipe over the springs would it help anything like rubbing and or rattling inside the tube rails.
I really appreciate your ideas on this project.
👍👍
I've seen that done on some of the commercial kits. It shouldn't hurt anything.
Like the relocating of the spare tire with the use of the pockets.
Spring setup is pretty cool as well.
+Eric Nay Thank you!
If you can find it locally, black Locust & Osage orange are much tougher, denser, & rot resistant than pine, then comes white oak. Whether one of the rot resistant or treated pine, dry it first (especially the pine). Drill a fastener hole on each end 1/8" larger than the stainless bolts w/ lock nut used to secure, but then prime & paint w/ a high solids acrylic or epoxy (both very tough & will resist all but the heaviest gouging by heavy metal or stumps being drug off). Make sure your paint covers the end grain and inside of bolt holes especially, but also make sure the holes remain clear - you want the inner walls coated but not so tight as to cause the bolts to scrape it off on inserting. Once tightened down they won't move, but re-check every year to make sure the wood hasn't shrunk any more. If properly dried and coated it should remain dimensionally stable and last the life of the trailer (my white oak deck is 29 years old & the Daiche coatings "Roll Stone" I think it was called has only needed touching up twice (from dragging trailer sized oak stumps off w/ a backhoe).
Your cable system is really cool! I gotta do that! One thing though.... The attachment on the gate doesn't need to be any higher that the top of the rail where the spring in in a straight pull configuration. Above that point the cables are only pulling the gate towards the hinge and no longer in toward the rail. If this doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll try to explain it better.
Also, the pin through the wheel... GENIUS!
Thank you, Will. I appreciate the feedback. 😁👍
Love your video! Several of your ideas I had as well...just couldn’t couldn’t get thought to action. Lol
What I did with the trailer lights is installed them into the fender so they wouldn’t get broken.
Thanks for watching. I'm hoping to make another video later this year with mods as you suggested. I'm not sure yet if I will move them or build a guard around them. So many projects so little time!
Nicely done on the tailgate assist.
Thank you!
Definitely one of the best mod videos I've ever seen.
Thank you, Greg.
Very smart man ,,, That's run into problems that we've all had ,,, But you fixed em ,,,, Great job !
Thanks for watching!
Very clever adaptions to an existing trailer. Makes it so much more useful. Look forward to your further modifications.
Thanks, Greg, and thanks for watching.
@@baldeagle242 i have been subscribed to your channel for a while now. Watching from Queensland Australia.
@@gregmaxfield4405 That's awesome! I have always wanted to take a trip to Australia.
@@baldeagle242 i have a couple of favourite channels, including yours, Chickanic, Mustie1, Cutting Edge Engineering here in Australia.
@Chickanic is on fire! I have been a sub on her channel since she was at 300'ish subs and didn't post for over a year! She has the skills and personality to explode on RUclips! (Far beyond what she already has!) I have the skills and I'm working on my personality. ;-) LOL
Never owned a trailer. Seeing this makes me wanna buy one to do all this to it!!
As with all tools you'll wonder how you ever made it with out it.
As the video progresses im saying to myself, "damn, look at that, yep, good idea, geez, I like that!" Good job man.
@Heath Weeks Thank you for taking the time to share your comment! I hope to see you around on future videos. 😊👍
Going to be putting together a trailer for hauling motorcycles soon. Really like things you have done. Thank you.
Great video. The first mod i did to my new trailer was add reverse lights to it. Its hard to see back there at night when reversing...especially the older i get.
Thanks for watching. I have a few other mods I plan to add to this trailer later this year. Back-up lights are a great recommendation and I may add this to my list of additional upgrades. Thanks again! I hope to see you around on future videos. 🦅
Nice job with the spring assist.
Thank you. 😁👍
Wow!!! I have hit the jackpot when I found this treasure-trove of useful information that I have been needing for several decades. Thank You... Salute
Thank you for watching, Bob!
Nice upgrades. Well thought out and good explanations
Thank you.
You are pretty amazing to come up with practical solutions yo what would have been problematical issues. You are creative and can think outside the box. Your video is very educational as well as entertaining.
Thank you for the kind words, and thanks for watching. 🦅🇺🇸
this video should be great can't wait for it to start
Thank you, sir. There are some very good practical tips in this video. I've also tried a much quicker video format so hopefully, it is received well.
Love the spring asst ramp lift. Very ingenious.
Thank you, and thanks for watching. 😁👍
Those jacks also stabilize well enough that I can use a swing out trck bed crane w/o issue. Comes in handy for transferring auto engines from truck to truck or wherever.
Love your ingenuity.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
I cannot seem to acquire enough trailers, right now I have 5. I will be trying some of these mods. Nice, no fluff video, keep up the good work!!!
Thank you! I tend to accumulate them as well.
Mr. Eagle --- your amazing so many great tips really appreciate you sharing
Great info. 👍 Great Ideas 💡. Thanks from Frank in Maine
Thanks for watching, Frank. I hope to see you around on future videos. 😁
Just a note for anyone watching this. When putting clamps onto wire rope the saddle goes on the live end and the curved bow goes on the dead end. Opposite to the way shown here. Notice how he put them on and turn them around to correctly fit them. I speak from experience, I was a rigger in heavy industry.
@ZMPBP Thank you for taking the time to share your comment! I wasn’t aware of this when I made this video but there have been quite a few comments about this since it was posted. I have turned them around at this point. I hope to see you around on future videos. 😊👍
Jam packed full of content. Very well done 👍👍 You just earned another subscriber!
+Working Man🛠️Ron Doyle Thank you! 😁👍
The hand crank jack in the back works good to jack up the trailer to change tires also.
Thanks for watching. 😁👍
I have a very similar trailer and that open security box always bugged me. I cut mine off, used 2 inch aluminum angle to fabricate a tray for a small ATV toolbox. It sits in the factory location, is water tight, and more securable. I don't have and am not proficient with a welder to fabricate stake pockets and ratchets to my rig. I did buy some decent braided rope, made loops I can slip knot around the top tubes and use ratchet straps or Tie Boss tie downs to secure my load. I used 3/4 marine grade plywood for the flooring in mine and its starting to show its age. Trailer sits outside in all weather so when I replace the plywood I'm probably going to use 2x8 pressure treated. I did add recessed tiedowns to the floor. I drilled two mounting holes into the trailer frame and the other two I went thru the plywood and cut 1 foot sections of shelving angle to spread out the load.
That sounds like great additions. So many options when it comes to these little trailers. Thanks for sharing your experience. 😁👍
Only change I’d make is stainless steel sleeves instead of copper. Copper won’t last very long. Great work brother!
Thank you, I agree with stainless steel. I'll probably end up replacing them with something better when they wear out.